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Hanesbrands Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Hanesbrands: Hanesbrands Inc. typically offers health insurance to its employees through a network of major providers, including companies like UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, depending on the specific plan chosen by the company for its workforce. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As the landscape of healthcare evolves, Hanesbrands may face significant increases in healthcare costs in 2026, primarily driven by rising insurance premiums. Reports indicate that insurance premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans could surge by an average of 18% to 20%, with some states projecting hikes as high as 66%. The expiration of enhanced federal subsidies is expected to exacerbate the financial strain, potentially leaving over 22 million enrollees facing exorbitant increases in out-of-pocket expenses. Without legislative measures to extend these subsidies, many employees could see their healthcare costs skyrocket, which could significantly impact employee wellness and workforce stability. Click here to learn more

'Hanesbrands employees with concentrated stock positions may benefit from thoughtful tax planning that allows for tax deferral while balancing liquidity, compliance, and long-term compounding,' Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Hanesbrands employees who hold highly-appreciated stock may want to consider tax-efficient strategies that help mitigate their liabilities while aligning with their overall retirement goals,' Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

How taxes can affect investment returns, particularly on concentrated stock positions.
Exchange funds and options-based strategies as methods for tax deferral and diversification.
Alternative planning techniques outside ETFs, including charitable trusts and gifting strategies.

By Carlos Hernandez, Wealth Enhancement advisor

When it comes to driving portfolio returns, many investors aim to keep management fees low by investing in low-cost index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). While fees matter, however, the real culprit for lower-than-anticipated performance is taxes. ¹

Wealth Enhancement advisor Carlos Hernandez explains: 'By losing less to taxes each year, investors have access to more capital that can continue to compound over time. This makes tax deferral an important part of an effective financial plan.' Hanesbrands employees looking for long-term growth strategies could benefit by understanding how to better manage their investment tax burdens.

Trade Money

One area where taxes can take a toll is on the sale of company stock or other concentrated investment positions. Hanesbrands professionals looking to diversify could face significant capital gains taxes on an outright sale. One way to diversify without triggering immediate capital gains is through exchange funds. By contributing their highy-appreciated stock to a pooled fund, investors can trade their concentrated holdings for shares in a diverse basket of securities. This method can be used by Hanesbrands employees who want to diversify while postponing taxable events.

Although this method allows for tax deferral, it also requires investors to hold the exchange fund for a period of time, typically seven years. ² This could create a challenge for investors who require liquidity. Additionally, these funds are often exclusively accessible to wealthy, accredited investors—something Hanesbrands executives should carefully evaluate.

Funds Based on Options

Another way to mitigate taxes on the sale of highly-appreciated stock is by using options contracts. The idea is to hedge risk with put options while covering the cost of those puts by selling call options—a strategy called 'collaring'. From there, the strategy reverses, with investors selling put options and using the proceeds to buy call option on an equity or bond index. ³ If managed effectively, this helps to diversify a concentrated portfolio while still maintaining liquidity.

Given the complexity of this strategy, meticulous planning is necessary. It's generally recommended that investors work with an experienced financial advisor before pursuing this approach.

Things to Be Aware of

Although these strategies can be beneficial for Hanesbrands employees who hold highly-appreciated stock, caution is recommended. There are costs associated with these approaches, and potential liquidity risks. Additionally, the IRS may eventually contest such arrangements because their tax status has not been thoroughly examined—something Hanesbrands retirees should keep top of mind.

'Tax drag reduction strategies can be effective, but they must be assessed through the lens of risk, liquidity, cost, and compliance,' warns Carlos Hernandez. What is appealing in theory must hold up to inspection in the real world.

Alternative Strategies

Although they show promise, investors with highly-appreciated stock or those looking to postpone gains have other alternatives besides exchange funds or options. Other tactics could include:

- Prepaid variable forwards (subject to IRS regulations, contracts to sell at predetermined terms in the future).
- Charitable remainder trusts (CRTs), which allow investors to donate appreciated stock to a charitable trust and receive a stream of regular income in return.
- Donor-advised funds (DAFs), which provide investors with a tax deduction for the fair market value of the appreciated stock they donate.
- Other gifting techniques, such as direct donations to charity or family.
Each has its own set of guidelines, advantages, and disadvantages. To limit unnecessary taxes or violating the constructive sale regulations, careful planning is necessary for Hanesbrands professionals managing complex portfolios.

The Bottom Line

Although the movement to mitigate the tax burden on investments is not new, the instruments are changing. Both exchange funds and options-based structures offer investors a way to manage tax liabilities, especially for Hanesbrands employees who hold highly-appreciated stock.

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In the end, taxes are unavoidable. However, with the correct set of instruments, they can be controlled and postponed. 'The real value comes from aligning tax strategy with investment strategy,' summarizes Carlos Hernandez.

Sources:

1. BlackRock Advisor Center. ' Investing for After-Tax Returns ,' 2025.

2. Kiplinger. ' Four Clever and Tax-Efficient Ways to Ditch Concentrated Stock Holdings ,' by Robert Waskiewicz. Sep. 11, 2025.

3. Financial Planning Association. ' Tax-Efficient Ways to Diversify Concentrated Stock Positions ,' by Peter Lazaroff. Oct. 2024.

What is the Hanesbrands 401(k) Savings Plan?

The Hanesbrands 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save for their future by contributing a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or Roth (after-tax) basis.

How can I enroll in the Hanesbrands 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can enroll in the Hanesbrands 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the enrollment portal provided by the company, typically available during the onboarding process or during open enrollment periods.

What types of contributions can I make to the Hanesbrands 401(k) Savings Plan?

Hanesbrands employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and may also be eligible for catch-up contributions if they are over the age of 50.

Does Hanesbrands offer a company match for the 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Hanesbrands offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for the Hanesbrands 401(k) company match?

The vesting schedule for the Hanesbrands 401(k) company match typically follows a specific timeline, where employees earn ownership of the matched contributions over a set period.

Can I take a loan from my Hanesbrands 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Hanesbrands allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to certain conditions and limits set by the plan.

What investment options are available in the Hanesbrands 401(k) Savings Plan?

The Hanesbrands 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to help employees diversify their portfolios.

How can I change my contribution percentage to the Hanesbrands 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can change their contribution percentage by logging into the Hanesbrands 401(k) portal and selecting the option to update their contribution rate.

What happens to my Hanesbrands 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?

If you leave Hanesbrands, you have several options for your 401(k) Savings Plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the plan if permitted.

How often can I change my investment choices in the Hanesbrands 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can typically change their investment choices in the Hanesbrands 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to the plan's trading policies.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Hanesbrands Pension Plan: Name of Pension Plan: Hanesbrands Inc. Pension Plan Years of Service and Age Qualification: Employees typically qualify for pension benefits after reaching 5 years of service. The normal retirement age is 65, but employees may also qualify for early retirement benefits at age 55 with at least 10 years of service. Pension Formula: The pension is calculated based on a formula that considers years of service and average salary. The specific formula details might be found in the plan documents. Hanesbrands 401(k) Plan: Name of 401(k) Plan: Hanesbrands Inc. 401(k) Plan Eligibility: Generally, employees become eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after 90 days of employment. Plan Features: The 401(k) plan allows employees to contribute a percentage of their salary on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Hanesbrands may also offer a company match up to a certain percentage of employee contributions.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Hanesbrands announced a major restructuring plan aimed at streamlining its operations and reducing costs. This plan included the layoff of around 250 employees across various departments. The restructuring is part of Hanesbrands' strategy to focus more on its core apparel business and improve operational efficiencies.

Stock Options: Hanesbrands provided stock options to select executives and key employees based on performance metrics and individual contributions. These options typically had a vesting period and were tied to the company's stock performance. RSUs: Restricted Stock Units were granted to employees as part of their compensation package, aligning their interests with long-term shareholder value. The vesting schedule for RSUs was usually over a period of several years.

2022: Hanesbrands' health benefits included comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance. They offered Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) as well. 2023: Benefits remained similar to 2022 with slight enhancements, such as improved preventive care coverage and expanded mental health support. They also increased the contribution limits for HSAs. 2024: Continued focus on mental health and wellness, including expanded telehealth services. The company introduced a new well-being program to support employees' physical, emotional, and financial health.